Skidmore's Mission
Academic freedom, freedom of speech, respectful dialogue, and civic engagement are essential to the College’s mission of preparing liberally educated graduates to continue their quest for knowledge and to make the choices required of informed, responsible citizens, as outlined in Skidmore College’s Mission Statement. Resources and information regarding community members’ rights and responsibilities concerning these topics can be found below.
In line with our liberal arts mission, Skidmore cherishes freedom of speech, thought, and expression. Diverse opinions, perspectives, and ideas provide opportunities for us to reflect, learn, and grow individually and as an institution. The College fully supports the constitutional rights of assembly and freedom of expression as bulwarks of our democratic process that protect us all.Marc C. Conner, President of Skidmore College
Speech and Expression Resources
Skidmore Student Bill of Rights
The Student Government Association, in collaboration with the administration and faculty, approved the Skidmore Student Bill of Rights, which stresses free inquiry and free speech as indispensable to the pursuit of knowledge, truth, and individual development: “As members of the Skidmore community, we have the responsibility to contribute to an environment of trust that protects the freedom of all to exchange and develop ideas; only in such trust and freedom is it possible for students to live together and learn from the faculty and one another.”
Bill of Rights
Academic Freedom and Rights
The Faculty Handbook states that “Skidmore College vigorously endorses the principle of academic freedom” and that faculty members “should be free from institutional censorship or discipline,” while also showing respect for the opinions of others: “The College recognizes the right and the responsibility of faculty members to speak as members of the community on issues of public concern.” Skidmore also has a faculty committee dedicated to academic freedom.
CAFR
Political Speech
The Skidmore College Policy on Political Speech opens by declaring: “Skidmore College is deeply committed to the values of academic freedom and encourages robust discourse reflecting a broad range of ideas, perspectives, and opinions.” While the policy notes that the College may not engage in political activity as a tax-exempt institution, it also makes clear: “Nothing in this policy is intended to restrict individual freedom of speech or the robust exchange of ideas and viewpoints that are fundamental to the College’s educational mission.”
Policy